Korail Talk: An Essential App for Traveling in Korea

Posted by Ulsan Online on Feb 10, 2019 in
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For many years people have relied on this site for a lot of their travel information. Bus and train times in particular, continue to be a top search term despite being kind of outdated. One of the reasons that I have not included a detailed schedule of the KTX train and whatnot is simply because the Korail app and site do the job much better. Also why add the extra step to complicate the process?

I prefer the app over the website for the simple reason that it is mobile and the app acts as your ticket. There is no need to print anything or go to the counter. The other thing is that the app has saved me from so many headaches as you can book and cancel tickets on the go. This to me is worth it’s weight in gold.

Getting Started

The first thing that you are going to want to do is download the app from the play store or the app store, depending on your device. When you first load up the app, it will be all in Korean. Don’t let that scare you, it takes just a couple of clicks to switch the app into English.

First, click the 3 little lines aka “the hamburger menu” in the upper right of the screen. Then click the gear icon in the pop-out menu. Then click “language setting” in the next menu and change the app to English. There will be a couple of prompts but from here on in, everything will be in English.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

You can switch back to Korean at anytime and I do recommend getting used to the Korean version because you will find more deals and information using the Korean Language setting. For a detailed breakdown, check out this post on how to navigate the Korean version.

Booking the tickets

This is a fairly simple process but on that is useful in many ways. The app gives a lot of information about train times and which ones are sold out. It also serves as a great way to make sure that you actually get a seat on the train that you want. For years I found myself running into Seoul Station on a Sunday night praying that they had something available to get me back to Ulsan. This app alleviates that stress because I can simply book my tickets in advance and change them if needed.

Korean Timetable

English Timetable

There are a couple of advantages to the Korean side of the app as well and that centers around selecting seats. In the English version, it is sort of up in the air where you’ll be placed. However, on the Korean side you can select your seats and that is a major plus if you have a preference for the window or the isle.

Once you get through the selection screen you will be asked to login. You will need need a korean bank card like a “check card” or a credit card for payment. I have seen foreign issued credit cards work for this app, so don’t worry if you don’t have a korean check card or credit card yet. I will say that you’d be wise to get either a check card or a credit card here ASAP as there are so many advantages to having one and as Korea moves towards a more cashless society, it is one less thing that you have to worry about.

Tickets

Once you have made a success purchase, the tickets will be stored on your phone. I usually take a screenshot of them and also write them down somewhere in case my phone dies while traveling. The screenshots are just for quick access if someone asks or is sitting in your seat. From time to time, elderly people will buy a standing seat and just sit down wherever. So having quick access to a copy of your ticket helps when there is a dispute.

Pro Tips for Riding the KTX

If the seats are all sold out and you have to stick with the standing ticket, wait a little bit and find the seats by the doors next to the luggage storage area. These are unassigned seat that anyone can use.

Use your app and collect mileage. This mileage can be used to reduce the cost of your tickets.

At certain times of the day, tickets will be cheaper. Switch to the Korean version of the app and it will show you the discounted prices.

With the above information, use it to ride the “Tuk-sil/특실” which are the first class cars. Especially if you are travelling alone as they have a single row for solo travelers. Not to mention more legroom and they will give you free snacks and water throughout your trip.

The free water is from a vending machine, so grab a couple extras on your way out too.

Jason Teale is a freelance photographer and writer based in South Korea specializing in travel, Cinemagraphs, food, and documentary photography. Available for assignments in Ulsan, Busan, Seoul, and nationwide.